Cornerback DJ Waller and UK coach Mark Stoops were all smiles at UK's Media Day. (Vicky Graff Photo)
DJ Waller played in 11 games and had 12 tackles and one pass breakup as a true freshman for Michigan’s 2023 national championship team before transferring to Kentucky last season.
He went from a 15-0 national championship team in 2023 to a 4-8 team in 2024 at Kentucky. He played in seven games with starts against Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Florida, and Auburn before missing the last four games with an injury.
Kentucky co-defensive coordinator Chris Collins is counting on Waller to help anchor UK’s secondary this season.
“He has continued to elevate his work ethic, his preparations. He has continued to grow his maturity both on and off the field,” Collins said. “I am so excited about where he is, and he needs to continue to take those steps necessary, going through those fires to be the player he can be.”
Waller admits last season was “different” for him, but he has no regrets about being at Kentucky.
“I always say, ‘I trust the Lord, and I trust myself, and I trust my purpose.’ So I know coming over here was right for me,” Waller said. “I am working every day to be a better version of myself. I am really locked in this year mentally. That’s the main thing for me.
“The athletic stuff was easy for me. Just mentally, knowing who I am, knowing what I can do on the field, I’m starting to figure that out now. I’m starting to come out of that shell and realize who DJ Waller is.”
Waller says he is “laid back and not really a party guy.” He does like to spend time writing music.
“In my free time, I get bored and I just kind of write stuff out on my life. You know, stuff I went through, the pain, everything. It’s just my way to express my feelings,” Waller said. “When I was a kid, I used to put on YouTube videos and just rap to it. I just always liked doing that.”
Waller sometimes will be on the practice field and just “freestyle” a song.
“I feel like everybody should have that one little thing they do on their own, just to relax. And that’s one thing I know,” he said.
One Response
When I seen that Waller signed with Kentucky I was ecstatic. I said in a couple of years Hardaway and Waller are going to be the best cornerback duo Kentucky has had in a long time. Well the time has come. Hardaway also struggled his first year in Brad Whites defense. He had a breakthrough season last year and I expect him to improve even more going into this year. Waller will also make a big jump this year his second in the program. He will have to think less and just play. Which will make his reaction time even better. I think the 2 can combine for well over 5 ints this year. They could each get 5. Then you we have Lovett who has 5 career ints. He could also get 5 this year. Ty Bryant had one last year and I know he will easily double that. He will probably have 3-4 ints. Our secondary is going to be very pesky this season.
Comments are closed.